Sharon Townsend
Pontotoc
Summary
Special education teacher with expertise in developing individualized education plans and implementing effective behavior management strategies. Proven ability to foster collaborative communication among educators, parents, and support staff. Dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that address diverse student needs. Consistently achieves positive outcomes for students through tailored instructional approaches.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Pontotoc County School District
Pontotoc
08.2019 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to ensure effective communication.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to support student learning.
- Adapted instructional materials for various learning styles and abilities.
- Trained paraprofessionals on classroom management techniques and strategies.
- Engaged in professional development to stay current on best practices.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Facilitated small group activities to enhance social skills development.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and needs.
First Grade Teacher
Okolona Separate School District
Okolona
08.2009 - 05.2013
- Maintained safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
- Collaborated with parents to support student development and achievement.
- Assessed student progress using various evaluation tools and methods.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive environment.
Special Education Teacher
Aberdeen School District
Aberdeen
08.2007 - 05.2009
- Worked with developmentally delayed students from 3-5 years of age
- Trained paraprofessionals on classroom management techniques and strategies.
Fifth Grade Science Teacher
Greenwood Public School District
Greenwood
08.2005 - 05.2006
- Implemented hands-on experiments to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Designed engaging science lessons aligned with state standards and curriculum goals.
- Facilitated collaborative group activities to promote teamwork and communication skills.
- Provided instruction in 5th grade science topics including physical and life sciences, earth and space science, energy, force, motion, matter and the environment.
- Promoted collaboration amongst peers by organizing group activities.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments.
Elementary School Teacher
Coffeeville School District
Coffeeville
08.2002 - 05.2005
- Facilitated hands-on experiments to enhance student learning and curiosity.
- Delivered clear, informative lectures on subject matter framed to meet state standards.
- Encouraged a culture of respect, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning within the classroom.
- Facilitated student-led projects fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Attended variety of professional development workshops centered on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation and engaging learning activities.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies Teacher
Grenada School District
Grenada
08.1997 - 05.2002
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse 8th-grade social studies topics.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and student participation.
- Collaborated with other teachers to develop interdisciplinary approaches for teaching social studies topics.
- Utilized a variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, debates and simulations to engage students in learning activities.
- Assessed student performance through quizzes, tests, projects and presentations.
- Remained up-to-date with emergency procedures to keep students and staff safe in emergency events.
- Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for students.
Title I First Grade Teacher
Vicksburg Warren School District
Vicksburg
08.1996 - 05.1997
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Maintained consistent and timely contact with parents about student behavior and upcoming events.
- Developed and maintained individualized skill-appropriate lesson plans to promote and build student confidence.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Collaborated with outside agencies providing services for students and families to deliver cohesive support.
- Organized field trips or community experiences to enhance learning opportunities for special education students.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Designed and delivered personalized learning for each student and advocated for student inclusion and success in general education environments.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Enhanced students' physical, behavioral and social skills through class activities.
- Offered counseling to students and parents to increase personal growth, self-understanding and behavioral management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Alcorn State University
Lorman, MS05-1995
High School Diploma -
Houston High School
Houston, MS05-1991
Bachelor of Science - Dyslexia Therapy
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS04-2026
Skills
- Individualized education plans
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Curriculum adaptation
- Behavior management strategies
- Collaborative communication
- Special needs advocacy
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Social skills development
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Pontotoc County School District
08.2019 - Current
First Grade Teacher
Okolona Separate School District
08.2009 - 05.2013
Special Education Teacher
Aberdeen School District
08.2007 - 05.2009
Fifth Grade Science Teacher
Greenwood Public School District
08.2005 - 05.2006
Elementary School Teacher
Coffeeville School District
08.2002 - 05.2005
Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies Teacher
Grenada School District
08.1997 - 05.2002
Title I First Grade Teacher
Vicksburg Warren School District
08.1996 - 05.1997
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Alcorn State University
High School Diploma -
Houston High School
Bachelor of Science - Dyslexia Therapy
Mississippi College